Angélique Kidjo has just been announced as a member of the Hollywood Walk of Fame’s Class of 2026 making her the first African artist to receive this distinction. It’s a notable milestone, both for her personal career and for the broader visibility of African talent in global entertainment.
Kidjo is one of only nine global recording artists selected this year, and she’s in impressive company: other honorees include Grammy winners Miley Cyrus, Lyle Lovett, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, The Clark Sisters, and Intocable. The announcement was made on July 2 at a press conference at Ovation Hollywood.
Kidjo’s addition to the Walk of Fame is significant, given her status as one of Africa’s most acclaimed musicians. This recognition not only honors her achievements, but also serves as a powerful statement about the growing influence of African creatives in the entertainment industry.
The Class of 2026 also features a diverse range of international talent, such as Emily Blunt, Deepika Padukone, Marion Cotillard, Rachel McAdams, Lea Salonga, Paulinho da Costa, and Air Supply. All honorees were chosen from hundreds of candidates by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce’s Walk of Fame Selection Panel, with final approval from the Chamber’s Board of Directors.
Peter Roth, chairman of the selection committee and former CEO of Warner Bros. Television, commented on the impact these individuals have made in entertainment, emphasizing that this recognition is well-deserved.
Ceremony dates have not been released yet, but honorees have a two-year window to schedule their inductions. Kidjo’s recognition is expected to inspire more African creatives to pursue opportunities on the world stage.